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Resolution recognizing Native American stewardship draws sharp objections from some members
Summary
House Joint Resolution 33, which would acknowledge Native American stewardship of Connecticut land and adopt gender-neutral/conceptual language about colonialism, prompted strong debate. Senator Sampson called the resolution political and warned it could lead to litigation, while proponents emphasized historical recognition and the possibility of post-committee revisions.
House Joint Resolution 33, presented to the Government Administration and Elections Committee, would recognize that all land in Connecticut was once Native American territory and list the historical stewardship of land by various tribes.
Senator Sampson (S3) said he did not dispute historical facts but criticized the resolutions framing, calling it political and ‘‘virtue signaling’’ that could have legal and social consequences. "When you put a land acknowledgment before this committee and you include language like, whereas colonialism is a continuing practice and we need to be mindful of our present participation, this is a political document," S3 said. He warned the language could prompt future disputes or litigation over land claims.
Representative Haxa (S6) said she agreed with the factual premise that Indigenous peoples are the native people of the land but expressed concerns about politically charged language in the resolution and said she could not support it in its current form. Other members and proponents said the resolution is intended to recognize history and that committee discussion and subsequent work after committee could address drafting concerns.
The committee discussed whether the list of tribes in the resolution was comprehensive and whether the documents language should be narrowed to avoid broader legal implications. After extended debate, the committee called the roll and recorded votes on the resolution.
Proponents said the resolution is designed to raise awareness of Connecticuts Indigenous history and stewardship and that further drafting conversations could follow the committee session.
The committee recorded the vote and advanced the resolution as reflected in the committee record.
